Special Sub-Topic: Canadian Governors-General Click Here To Play: Canadian Governors-General

Who was Canada's first Governor-General?

Viscount Monck. Monck (Governor-General 1867-68) had previously been Governor of the United Province of Canada (1861-67). He actively promoted Confederation and had his term extended in order that he could become Canada's first Governor-General. He has been called an "uncredited Father of Confederation".

Which Governor-General was a son-in-law of Queen Victoria?

Marquis of Lorne. The Marquis of Lorne (Governor-General, 1878-83) was married to Princess Louise, one of the daughters of Queen Victoria. Both Alberta (the province) and Lake Louise were named after her.

Which Governor-General was a son of Queen Victoria?

Duke of Connaught. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught (Governor-General, 1911-1916). He was the third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Groomed for the army, he had an impressive military career. He fist visited Canada in 1890 and Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) was named after him. He served as Governor-General during the First World War and helped to organize the second Canadian Expeditionary Force as well as the Canadian Patriotic Fund. His daugher, Princess Patricia, was the patron of the regiment now called the "Princess Pats".

Which Governor-General established the Governor-General's Awards for Literature?

Baron Tweedsmuir. Baron Tweedsmuir (Governor-General, 1935-40). Prior to his appointment as Governor-General, Lord Tweedsmuir, ss John Buchan, had a successful career as a mystery novellist. He wrote several bestsellers of which "Greenmantle" and "The Thirty-Nine Steps" are probably the best known.

During World War I, which future Governor-General was appointed to command the Canadian Corps in France and led the troops at the battle of Vimy Ridge?

Viscount Byng. Viscount Byng (Governor-General, 1921-26) was a popular military commander of the Canadian troops and his relationship with his troops led to his appointment as Governor-General. When he was created Viscount, he took the title Vimy in recognition of this battle.

Who was the last titled Briton to hold the post of Governor-General?

Viscount Alexander of Tunis. Viscount Alexander of Tunis (Governor-General, 1946-52) was a noted military leader - and was Supreme Allied Commander in Italy during World War II. His term of office as Governor-General was extended twice. He was recalled to Britain to serve as Minister of Defence in the second Churchill government.

Which Governor-General was involved in a constitutional conflict with William Lyon Mackenzie King?

Viscount Byng. Viscount Byng (Governor-General, 1921-26). When the minority government of Mackenzie King requested a dissolution and new elections, Byng refused since the country had just undergone an election which had returned the minority government. He chose to request that the oppostion attempt to form a government. Arthur Meighen formed a government which was short-lived, and its fall resulted in the election which Mackenzie King had requested.

How many Governors-General have died in office and were accorded a State Funeral?

two & 2. Baron Tweedsmuir who died as the result of a fall in 1940 and Georges Philias Vanier who died at 79 in 1967 as a result of the strains brought on by the Centennial celebrations.

How many Governors-General also served as Viceroy of India?

four & 4. Marquis of Willingdon (Governor General, 1926-31); Earl of Minto (Governor-General, 1898-1904); Earl of Dufferin (Governor-General, 1872-78) and the Marquis of Lansdowne (Governor-General, 1883-88).

Who was the first native-born Governor-General?

Vincent Massey & Massey. Vincent Massey, (Governor-General, 1952-1959) brother of actor Raymond Massey and scion of the farm machinery family, was a noted diplomat (first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom) and first Canadian Minister in Washington.

Which Governor-General lost a leg while on active service in France during World War I?

Major-General Georges-Philias Vanier. Major-General Georges-Philias Vanier (Governor-General, 1959-67). In addition to a distinguished military career, Vanier was also a diplomat, being the Canadian ambassador to France until its fall in 1940. He returned as ambassador at the end of the war.

Which Governor-General was the great-grandson of King George III?

Earl of Athlone. Earl of Athlone (Governor-General, 1940-1946). In addition to being the great-grandson of King George III, an honour he shared with a previous Governor-General, the Duke of Connaught, he was the brother of Queen Mary, consort of King George V. His appointment in 1940 was the second time he had been appointed. The first was in 1914 but he refused due to his desire to serve actively during the First World War. He came to Canada after successfuly serving for seven years as the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa. He was the second member of the Royal Family to hold the post.

Which Governor-General was the father-in-law of the future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Harold Macmillan?

Duke of Devonshire. Duke of Devonshire (Governor-General, 1916-1921). One of the largest landowners in the UK, the Duke of Devonshire was familiar with Canada since he was the son-in-law of a former Governor-General, Lord Lansdowne. He interested himself in Canada's economic development as well as land use and farming. His daughter married Captain Harold Macmillan, later Prime Minister, in 1921.

Which Governor-General, interested in amateur theatrics, fostered the establishment of the Dominion Drama Festival?

Earl of Bessborough. Bessborough (Governor-General, 1931-1935) actively served in France and at Gallipoli during the First World War. His swearing in ceremony, in Halifax, was the first such ceremony to be aired (by radio) throughout Canada.

Which Governor-General served as Speaker of the House of Commons and High Commissioner to India prior to being appointed as Governor-General?

Roland Michener. Roland Michener (Governor-General, 1967-74) was an active Progressive Conservative member prior to being elected Speaker of the House of Commons. He was appointed by the Liberal government as High Commissioner and later as Governor-General. Retiring from politics after his appointment he became an active supporter of physical fitness for senior citizens, jogging well into his 80's. A mountain was named after him and he climbed it at 80.